Iran Sentence Extension
British couple's Iran sentence extended by two years amid hunger strike and due process concerns
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Key Points
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Craig Foreman has been on hunger strike for 68 days and Lindsay Foreman for 59 days in Tehran's Evin Prison, according to family updates.
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The couple lost an appeal against their convictions in June and were reportedly unable to attend the appeal hearing.
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Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested in January 2025 during an around-the-world motorcycle trip through Iran.
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Craig Foreman’s sentence was extended by two years in a hearing where he was told he would meet his lawyer but was instead brought before a judge, with no legal representation or translator.
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Family says both prisoners have lost significant weight and that all communication with Iranian authorities has been cut off.
Iran has added two years to the prison sentence of British detainee Craig Foreman after he spoke to foreign media from his cell in Tehran's Evin Prison, his family announced. Craig and his wife Lindsay, both 53, are already serving a 10-year sentence on espionage charges they deny, according to IranWire and The Mirror.
The couple from East Sussex were arrested in January 2025 while on an around-the-world motorcycle trip through Iran. Craig has now been on hunger strike for 68 days and Lindsay for 59 days, according to family updates reported by The Independent.
Extra Sentence Handed Down Without Lawyer or Translator
Craig's sentence was extended in a hearing that his family says was deeply unfair. He was told he would meet his lawyer. Instead, he was brought before a judge. There was no legal representation and no translator present, according to IranWire.
The sole reason given for the two-year addition was that Craig had spoken to foreign media from his cell. His family says all communication with Iranian authorities has now been cut off. The UK Foreign Office says it is engaging with Iranian officials over the case, The Mirror reported.
Hunger Strike Raises Urgent Health Fears for Both Prisoners
Craig has refused food for 68 days. Lindsay has been on hunger strike for 59 days. Their family says both have lost significant weight. Doctors warn that hunger strikes lasting this long can cause organ failure and permanent damage.
The family has raised grave concerns about the couple's health. They say they have been unable to get any updates directly from Iranian prison authorities. The Independent reported that the family is pushing hard for consular access and medical checks.
Appeal Lost, UN Labels Detention Wrongful and Arbitrary
The Foremans lost an appeal against their convictions in June. They were reportedly not allowed to attend their own appeal hearing. UN human rights experts have labeled their detention wrongful and potentially arbitrary, adding international pressure on Tehran, according to IranWire.
The family has filed a formal complaint with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Their legal team argues the case is an example of state hostage-taking. Lawyers are calling on Iran to show mercy and release the couple immediately, The Mirror reported.
Family Demands Action as International Pressure Mounts
Relatives say the UK government must do more. They argue that diplomatic engagement so far has not produced results. The Foreign Office has confirmed it is in contact with Iranian authorities but has not given a timeline for any resolution, according to The Independent.
Advocates warn that punishing prisoners for speaking to the media is a clear violation of fair trial rights. Craig and Lindsay Foreman have now spent more than six months in Evin Prison. The facility is known for holding political prisoners and has a long record of reported abuse, IranWire noted.
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